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The implant body should be loaded in an axial direction. In a division A maxillary ridge the implant can be placed between the central fossa region and buccal cusp of the natural teeth. The buccal cusp of the natural tooth in the mandibular arch is the dominant occluding cusp. The palatal contour of the maxillary posterior implant crown is reduced to eliminate offset loads. The position of the maxillary buccal cusp should remain similar to that of the original tooth for proper esthetics and should remain out of occlusion in CR and all mandibular excursions. When further resorption occurs and the ridge evolves into division B to C bone, the maxillary palatal cusp may become the primary contact area, situated directly over the implant body. The palatal cusp angle is reduced, and a contact area is created directly over the implant abutment. Hence, the occlusal contacts differ from those of a natural tooth.
About the author
The authors are Post Graduate Student, Professor and senior lecturer from Departent of Prothodontics and Crown & Bridge, Narsinhbhai Patel Dental College & Hospital, Sakalchand Patel University, Visnagar, Gujarat, India.
